The ICTE, which
measures consumer expectations for technology spending, is also up more than 10
points from this time last year.

"Increases in
consumer sentiment around technology are expressly higher, not just on a
sequential basis, but also on a year-over-year basis, a good sign headed into
the important fourth quarter and holiday selling season," said Shawn DuBravac,
CEA chief economist and research director, in a statement. "Electronics will
play a key role in the holiday shopping season as consumers look for innovative
gadgets to give as gifts."

Overall consumer
sentiment increased for the first time since April, the CEA said, with the CEA
Index of Consumer Expectations (ICE) increasing nearly three points in October.
The ICE, which measures consumer expectations about the broader economy, is the
highest since April, but remains more than seven points lower than this time
last year, the CEA said.

"Consumer
sentiment toward the economy is improving after months of continuous declines,"
said DuBravac. "Consumers are beginning to show a willingness to spend this
holiday but will be looking for bargains."

The CEA Indexes
comprise the ICE and ICTE, both of which are updated on a monthly basis through
consumer surveys. New data is released on the fourth Tuesday of each month. CEA
has been tracking index data since January 2007.